Celebrating carers and addressing inequalities

The Wokingham Carers Partnership is organising a series of events to celebrate Carers Week 2025 (9 to 13 June). 

Carers Week is organised every year by Carers UK and Carers Trust, with a different theme each year drawing attention to issues facing unpaid carers across the UK. 

The theme for this year’s national campaign is about ‘caring about equality’ and aims to highlight the inequalities faced by unpaid carers. This includes a greater risk of poverty and social isolation, as well as poor physical and mental health.

The Wokingham Carers Partnership was launched in April 2023 to provide information, advice and support to unpaid carers locally.

It is made up of three organisations from the voluntary sector: Age UK Berkshire; Promise Inclusion; and Berkshire Youth. The partnership represents and supports unpaid carers of all ages across the borough.

Cllr David Hare, executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said: “Carers of all ages unfortunately miss out on opportunities every day because of their role of caring for someone. This can affect their education, careers and personal lives.

“As well as supporting established carers, Carers Week helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to realise that they are a carer. 

“This means that that they can access a wealth of support and advice locally. Through these events, we hope to not only raise the profile of local support services for our carers, but also thank carers for the selfless and valuable role they play.”

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.

The following events are being held during Carers Week 2025:

• Carers Walk – California Country Park, Finchampstead, Monday 9 June, 1pm to 3pm
• Cream Tea on the Thames – Caversham Pier, Richfield Avenue, Reading, Tuesday 10 June. Enjoy a cruise on the Caversham Princess and a cream tea while you take in the view. Arrive for 10.30am for an 11am departure, arriving back in Caversham at 1pm. A non-refundable deposit of £10 will need to be paid and spaces are limited. This trip is being subsidised by Wokingham Borough Council
• Information Day – Loddon Hall, Twyford, Wednesday 11 June, 3.30pm to 7pm. There will be stands offering information and support from a range of local organisations. Children can also look forward to activities, including face painting, a meet and greet with birds of prey and a visit from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Carers Walk – Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst, Thursday 12 June, 10.30am to 12.30pm
• Games Evening – Radstock Community Centre, Earley, Friday 13 June, 6pm to 8pm

To find out more about any of the above events and to book, email: carers@ageukberkshire.org.uk